New Era For Transport in Manchester as Magic Bus Bows Out After 65 Million Miles

Stagecoach Manchester, this week, transitions into the Bee Network, Transport for Greater Manchester’s innovative integrated transport system.

With over 25 years of service and a modern fleet of over 1,000+ vehicles, Stagecoach Manchester has been integral to connecting communities, supporting local economies, and ensuring reliable, accessible travel for millions of customers.

As part of this transition, the iconic Magic Bus made its final farewell journey on Saturday 4^th January 2025, marking the end of an era for one of Manchester’s most recognisable bus services. Stagecoach will continue to serve customers of Greater Manchester as it continues to operate as a provider within the new network. Renowned for its affordability and popularity among students and budget-conscious travellers, the Magic Bus itself has covered an impressive 65 million miles.

Over the years, it has even welcomed some famous faces and will be remembered as a familiar and well-loved service for anyone who has lived or worked in Manchester.

To preserve its legacy, Stagecoach will donate one of its iconic low floor double decker buses, introduced in 2006, to the Museum of Transport, ensuring its place in Manchester’s transport history.

Over its tenure, Stagecoach Manchester and the Magic Bus service has had the support of more than 8000 dedicated drivers, all of whom have played a vital role in providing first-class service, as part of the wider Stagecoach network.

As Stagecoach Manchester hands over the keys to the Bee Network, the new operator will introduce exciting changes and the 1,600 Stagecoach Manchester drivers and staff will remain on board to ensure customers continue to receive high-quality, reliable services.

A recap of Stagecoach Manchester over the years:

• 1996 - Magic bus was launched on Wilmslow Road.
• 2000 - Introduction of the Beach Ball livery, becoming a recognizable part of Manchester’s transport.
• 2002 - Stagecoach Manchester run the contract to operate shuttle buses between Manchester City Centre and SportCity during the 2002 Commonwealth Games at a time where the Metrolink line did not exist. At the time, this was the largest multi-sport event ever to be held in England.
• 2010 - Inspired by a Facebook petition initiated by students from Manchester universities, Magic Bus introduced "Wizard Wednesdays," where drivers donned wizard costumes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for a prostate and testicular cancer charity. The campaign, supported by nearly 11,000 people, lasted several years.
• 2012 – Following a significant investment in hybrid buses and other internal initiatives, Stagecoach's environmental commitment was widely recognised. The company received multiple accolades, including the North West Carbon Reduction Award from the Business in the Community Awards and the "Large Business" category award at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Manchester Large Business Awards.
• 2013 -  Stagecoach wins Bus Operator of the Year at the UK Bus Awards
• 2019 – Began partnership with Forever Manchester
• 2020 - Stagecoach is proud to unveil Greater Manchester's first double-decker electric buses in a £16.5m investment.
• 2022 - Stagecoach Manchester reveals special livery Armed Forces Covenant bus, showing its support to active service people and veterans in the area.
• 2023 - Stagecoach Manchester marks 25 years of service with a special livery bus honoring 30 of its longest-serving staff members.
• 2024 - Since the Forever Partnership began, Stagecoach raised more than £10,000 for the charity as of 2024

Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “This is a landmark moment for Manchester’s transport. Our services have been part of the city’s story for decades, and we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. As we transition to the Bee Network, we remain committed to delivering the same excellent service customers know and trust.”

Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer at Stagecoach Group, said: “For over 25 years, Stagecoach Manchester has connected communities and delivered dependable, affordable travel, with the Magic Bus becoming an iconic symbol of the city.

“As we see a shift to the Bee Network, we take pride in the legacy we've built and thank our dedicated staff and customers for their support. While the Stagecoach Manchester and Magic Bus services comes to an end, its place in the hearts of Manchester will never be forgotten.”

As the Magic Bus takes its final journey, Stagecoach Manchester is proud to reflect on the legacy of the iconic journeys of the network and its role in shaping the city’s transport landscape for the future.

Stagecoach is pleased to continue serving as a provider for the Bee Network under the leadership of TfGM.

For more information, please visit https://www.stagecoachbus.com/about/manchester#tab5